California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is the early favorite to succeed fellow Democrat Jerry Brown in the 2018 gubernatorial race, as the state’s second-in-command holds large advantages among Democrats and independents, according to a new Field Poll.

Newsom, leading with support from 23 percent of registered voters, is followed by a pair of rising Republicans: San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer (16 percent) and outgoing Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin (11 percent).

The poll, released late Monday, is designed to gauge dynamics of the contest as the field continues to take shape. It shows Newsom out ahead of eight other candidates, including two Democratic rivals already in the race, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang.

Villaraigosa, who entered the race Thursday, casting himself as a bulwark against Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s incendiary campaign rhetoric, receives 6 percent support while Chiang, a candidate since late May, is at 2 percent.

Why not nominate a Republican who can win? Try someone with name recognition. Why not Clint Eastwood? Too old? Why not Dennis Miller? Why not Larry Elder? If name recognition can work for Donald Trump, then why not do it here? It’s how Arnold got in. Ugh. But it worked. How about Tom Selleck?